Primrose shines as host of SA Junior Blackball Championships
A high-stakes week of talent and tension unfolded in Primrose as the Cue Sport Centre welcomed the SA Junior Blackball Championships, where Gauteng’s Phumelo Marumulo emerged victorious in the U15 division.
Primrose recently made its mark by hosting the South African Blackball Championships at the Cue Sport Centre for the first time in the region.
The five-day event brought together players of all ages, creating an electric atmosphere and showcasing incredible skill and sportsmanship.
Run by Flames Pub and Grill, the Cue Sport Centre was the host for the 2024/2025 Junior SA Blackball Championships.
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Kwa-Zulu Natal’s team featured exceptional young players, including seven-year-old Aarnan Haribhai competing in the U15 category.
The event drew in renowned figures like Harry ‘Houdini’ Martin, a four-time SA men’s number one (four years in a row) and three-time SA social singles champion (three times in a row).
The U15 final between Phumelo Marumulo (Gauteng) and Jayden Willemse (Northern Cape) was thrilling.
The match was intense, with Willemse taking an early lead, but Marumulo fought back to level the score. Willemse regained momentum, taking the fifth game, while Marumulo secured crucial wins in the fourth and sixth games. Ultimately, Marumulo’s determination paid off, as he won the championship with a 5-3 final score, dethroning the defending champion.
Marumulo expressed confidence in his abilities going into the match, despite the pressure of facing defending champion Willemse.
He admitted to feeling intimidated after Willemse’s early lead but managed to relax and play his game, as advised by his coach.
Marumulo’s determination paid off, and he celebrated his 5-3 win, marking a significant improvement from his sixth-place ranking the previous year.
“I am from Diepkloof, Soweto in Zone 15, and doing Grade 10 at Madibane Comprehensive School,” said Marumulo.
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“This is a nice way to exit the division. I’ll be known as the category’s last champion as the division will be no more next year.
“I practice on weekends at Room 8, Qlife Sports. I hope my win will inspire others.
“Interestingly, both the U18 and U16 finalists from Gauteng share the same training spot and neighbourhood, Diepkloof,” said Marumulo.
In team events, Gauteng defended the U15 title.
